HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2015-03-24 Water Valve Exercise Program
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
Leesburg Utilities Department Initiates New Water System
Maintenance Program
Leesburg, VA (March 24, 2015) – This spring and summer, the Town of Leesburg’s Utilities
Department will begin a new preventative maintenance program for the water system
infrastructure. This new program, known as a Water Valve Exercise Program, involves
“exercising” each main line and service valve in specific distribution areas by closing and
reopening the valves. The purpose of the program is to test the operation of the valves
throughout the distribution system, assuring system reliability and water quality.
Beginning in April and continuing through June, Utilities crews will close and reopen each valve,
operating the valve through a full cycle and returning it to its normal position. In areas where
valves are being closed, fire hydrants will be opened to ensure that the water in t he main line
remains clear.
Customers may experience some sediment or discolored water following the closing and
opening of the water valves. If customers notice cloudy or discolored water, the Utilities
Department recommends running several cold water taps at full force for a period of one to
two minutes, until the cloudiness or discoloration disappears. It may be necessary to repeat
this process after 30 minutes. In addition, the closing and opening of valves may introduce air
into water lines which can cause temporary erratic water flow.
Water Valve Exercise Program operations will take place April through June, between the hours
of 7:00am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday. The Town regrets any inconvenience this
maintenance program may cause. If you have any questions regarding the Water Valve
Exercise program, or have any concerns about water quality, please call the Leesburg Utilities
Department at 703-737-7075.
Contact:
Betsy Fields
Research & Communications Manager
bfields@leesburgva.gov
703-771-2734
# # #